Finding the time to unwind, drink and eat out, socialise and also do something productive like learning a new skill can all be hard to do separately. Who has the time anymore? The productive tasks too often lose out to work. That or Netflix and chill takes over.
That’s why so many Londoners are turning to the masterclass. Either learn how to make some of your favourite cocktails while hanging with mates or do the same with cooking new and fun dishes.
There are countless spots (especially with London being full of dedicated cookery schools) but we are focusing on the already much-loved restaurants and bars which offer their own bespoke masterclasses on the side. And there are plenty Square Mile joints taking part. Check out our favourites here.
Mei Ume
Sake and sushi masterclass
If most of us are being honest, we know next to nothing about sake. We can blag our way through a wine list but once we head into a Japanese restaurant and search for sake, we’re totally and completely lost. Well, Mei Ume at the Four Seasons Hotel at Ten Trinity Square are taking the time to educate us foolish sods. And, to make it all the better, they pair each drink with freshly made sushi. Winner! These masterclasses run once a month with Sushi Chef Mun Seok Choi and Director of Wine Jan Konetzki.
Four Seasons Hotel, 10 Trinity Square EC3N 4AJ
Merchant House
Gin, whisky and rum masterclasses
When it comes to cocktails alcoholic spirits offerings, none compare to the award-winning Merchant House in the City. We’re sure you’ve sipped on a few tipples here already. But their cocktail masterclasses are next level. First, choose your poison (either gin, whisky or rum). Each guest gets a welcome drink as the bartender talks thought the chosen spirit’s secret history and methods of production/ use. This is followed by four more tasters as well as something fine and rare from their private collection during the hour-long experience worth £50.
13 Well Court (off Bow Lane) EC4M 9DN
Wright Brothers
Oyster masterclass
If you’re not into oysters, then get out. This is for those who always order at least a dozen for the table when eating out at seafood restaurants. It’s for oyster lovers who go traditional with just a little lemon juice on top or those who get all the way with mignonette, Tabasco sauce and even a little horseradish. Even the Kilpatrick fans will be satisfied. For Wright Brothers in Spitalfields are best suited to teach you all you’d like to know about these tiny molluscs while you sip on Champagne. You’ll get a welcome glass of bubbles, 10 oysters (just two shy of a dozen for yourself), another glass of wine and a goodie bag for £65 per person.
8a Lamb Street E1 6EA
Bread Street Kitchen
Cocktail masterclasses
Celebrity chef, Gordon Ramsay, may be known for his all too terrifying ‘screaming while teaching’ technique but guests to his Bread Street Kitchen cocktail masterclasses won’t have worry about that. He lets his friendly bartenders take charge at this City of London spot. And they have a total of three different kinds of masterclasses on offer. Either go for the classic and learn all the traditional cocktails which you can easily serve up back home or go for the more luxurious Prestige class and indulge in top notch spirits played with in more creative ways. The gin masterclass is also there for those who want to be able to go beyond making just your usual gin and tonic. Tickets start at £40 and go up depending on which of the classes you choose to join.
10 Bread Street EC4M 9AJ
Officina 00
Pasta masterclasses
Nonna would be proud of this one. Officina 00, right on Old Street, specialises in serving homemade pasta to the masses but their super intimate pasta masterclasses are more than worthy of being mentioned. Beginners have the 2-hour intro course which gives you all the basic info needed to make banging garganelli & spaghetti guitar pastas. Those wanting to impress their mates or family even more can go for the 2.5 hour filled pasta class or the ultimate ‘Our Own Touch’ masterclass. In the latter, you learn Officina’s own recipes, such as pasta dough made with white wine, salty and sweet pasta recipes, and coloured pasta dough. You won’t find these recipes in your average past cookbook. Sessions start at £70.
156 Old Street EC1V 9BW
